helping cats live happy, healthy lives
Want to keep your cat healthy and happy from kittenhood to their senior years? Our cat health articles include advice on feline nutrition, and how to spot the early signs of illness and disease. We also include everyday healthcare tips on grooming, flea prevention, hairballs, dental health, safety and more.
FeLV, FIV, and FIP: What do these three have in common? Actually, they have quite a bit in common because they are all viral diseases of cats and don’t have a cure. Also, no cat guardian wants to be told that their cat has been diagnosed with any one of these conditions. However FeLV and FIV arguably have a worse reputation than they deserve, whilst FIP remains definitely …
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We received a complimentary Dr Catsby whisker fatigue cat bowl for review. We only recommend products we believe are relevant to our readers. When I first heard about 'whisker fatigue' I thought it was just another clever marketing gimmick to help drive sales of designer cat food bowls. I’ve since realised there’s more to it than that. The importance of a cat's …
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What mental picture does the words “herpes virus” conjure up? In my mind I see a snuffling, sneezing, snotty-nosed kitten whose eyes are gummed shut. This is because herpes virus is one of the two viruses commonly linked to cat flu (the other being calici virus). But herpes virus also stars in its own solo show and causes an illness known as viral rhinotracheitis. Whilst …
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Mama Meow! Is your cat having kittens? Or perhaps a stray has identified your shed as a safe place to give birth. Whatever the reason, it is a privilege to be part of that wonderful experience that is a mother raising her kittens. Hopefully everything goes well and Mama does all the work, in which case your job is to make life easier for her. But if, for whatever reason, you …
Continue Reading about Raising Newborn Kittens – Tips for Surrogate Cat Mothers
Cats rely on their gut health more than you might think. Probiotics for cats support beneficial bacteria in their digestive system, and are becoming increasingly popular. Like humans, cats can benefit from a balanced gut, which impacts digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Whether your cat has tummy troubles, is stressed, or you’re just looking to support their immune …
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When you get a heavy cold, what do you do? If you’re like many of us, you take a high dose of vitamin C. The idea is vitamin C boosts your immune system to enable it better fight off the bugs. In much the same way, there are times when it’s appropriate to give your cat’s immune system a helping hand. From the cat with a snuffle that just won’t shift, to the feline …
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Are you a glass half-empty or a half-full person? When it comes to cancer in cats there’s good news and there’s bad news. First the good news: And the bad news: In reality this means you should be vigilant for any hints or clues that your cat is unwell, because catching cancer early makes all the difference to the success of treatment. But before we get ahead of …
Did you know that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the commonest cause of sickness and diarrhoea in cats? Shocking, isn’t it. But then again IBD isn’t a black and white, all-or-nothing condition, but exists on a ‘spectrum’ from mild to severe. For example, since this is a waxing and waning condition, if your cat has regular, intermittent tummy upsets then IBD could …
Is being a vet your dream job? I’ve worked as a vet for more years than I care to remember. I was just like you: Animal obsessed as a child, eagerly consuming books, articles, or information on anything or everything to do with animals. When I shared my dream with parents and teachers, their reaction was cautious but encouraging. From an early age I ‘saw practice’ at a local …
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Being vegetarian or vegan is a personal choice, and often one that a person reaches out of their love and compassion for animals. But whilst you choose to eat a plant based diet, it is important to remember that your cat is an ‘obligate carnivore’ and they MUST eat meat. Unfortunately, no matter how good your moral intentions, feeding your cat a vegan diet is a recipe for …
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